Learning and Development Specialist

Osler; Vancouver; Hybrid; CAD 70,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading law firm in Vancouver seeks an experienced Learning & Development Specialist to design and deliver training initiatives. The role involves creating learning materials, conducting orientations, and collaborating with various teams to ensure competence in tools and practices. Ideal candidates will have a background in training and development with strong communication skills. This position supports hybrid work arrangements, providing flexibility to work both in-office and remotely.

Benefits

Hybrid work arrangement

Access to learning resources

Diverse work environment

Qualifications

• 2-5 years of direct training experience required.
• Law firm experience is an asset.
• Willingness to travel to other offices as required.

Responsibilities

• Design and deliver procedural learning sessions.
• Organize Orientation sessions for Firm members.
• Assess and update training needs as required.

Skills

Excellent communication skills

Proficiency with MS Office Suite

Strong client service focus

Knowledge of adult education principles

Ability to develop e-learning

Education

Community college diploma or university degree

Formal training in adult training programs

Tools

iManage

Adobe products

Job description

Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP is one of Canada’s leading business law firms. Advising many of Canada’s corporate leaders, as well as U.S. and international parties with extensive interest in Canada, our more than 1,300 firm members are based in offices in Toronto, Montréal, Ottawa, Vancouver, Calgary and New York.

Osler prides itself on attracting and maintaining some of the brightest talent in the legal arena. Our lawyers, students, management and staff have created a unique firm culture which nurtures mentoring and the exchange of ideas. Osler is a dynamic and exciting place to begin a career or carve out a new path.

We are seeking an experienced Learning & Development Specialist to support training and learning initiatives in our growing Vancouver office.

Overall Accountability

Learning & Development Specialist designs and delivers procedural, skills based and technology learning. In addition, the Specialist organizes and facilitates Orientation sessions for Firm members, ensuring that all Firm members (including Legal and Business Professionals) possess relevant skills, resources and information needed to operate efficiently and effectively and to provide seamless client service to internal and external clients. The Specialist also assists with Professional Development initiatives in the Vancouver office, serves as a team leader for implementations and Firm project and acts as Subject Matter Expert on various software applications.

Major Responsibilities

Technology Training and Coaching

• Delivers Technology Orientation for team members, including Legal Professionals (Associates, Paralegals and Students) and Business Professionals (Legal Assistants, etc.) in the Vancouver office
• Maintains awareness of changes to Firm processes and procedures, assesses impact of change, and identifies and incorporates related regional requirements and Vancouver insights
• Determines what relevant information to include in Vancouver learning programs, designs courseware and customizes materials and training sessions
• Provides support to Firm members to solve complex problems that require more in- depth knowledge of certain applications (Word, Excel, iManage, OnePlace, etc.) and develops best practices and efficiency in work processes
• Works with Vancouver’s Human Resources, Business Development and Legal Talent teams to ensure Firm members are competent with Firm resources such as OnePlace and UKG to maximize efficiency and revenue generation
• Performs Operational Reviews by observing, auditing and evaluating the performance of Vancouver Firm members and creating a Plan of Action to increase competency levels or address performance issues related to technology practice efficiency
• Evaluates effectiveness of learning by facilitating meetings for recent hires; re- assesses training needs; arranges for additional training and adjusts or updates programs as required.

Professional Development

Designs and delivers general orientation programming that meets the needs of students and junior associates

Assists with the development and administration of New Associates Foundation (NAF) training together with Director, Talent & Operations, and Manager, Student Programs and Legal Recruitment

Develops ongoing curricula / programming by assessing available Firm learning resources and organizing / delivering programming applicable to staff and legal professionals

Audits key programs to ensure high quality learning. Advises presenters and subject matter experts on design and delivery best practices, as needed

Designs, maintains and updates any relevant, custom learning materials and resources

Develops protocols to ensure National and British Columbia CPD standards are met for Vancouver-based programming

Acts as regional LMS expert and uses Learning Management System to deliver programming, as appropriate

Develops & maintains learning processes and protocols for the Vancouver office, including lunch and learns

Special Projects in Vancouver

Special Projects in Vancouver

Participates as an active member of Firm Project teams for national roll-outs and applications. Acts as leader in rollouts and other projects in the Vancouver office, working with stakeholders including Human Resources, Business Development, Professional and Client Development and National Learning and Development

Other duties as assigned

Knowledge & Skills

Excellent communication (verbal and written) and interpersonal skills required to provide learning and Orientation to new employees

Proficiency with latest MS Office Suite, virtual meeting platforms, Adobe products, Windows OS. Knowledge of legal applications such as iManage and Litera is an asset

Ability to develop e-learning using Captivate, Camtasia, or similar software an asset

Strong client service focus with ability to develop professional relationships across all levels within the Firm

Ability to work within a team-based multi-office environment, with occasional need to travel to other Osler offices as required

Flexible attitude to alter teaching schedules as required to accommodate varying levels of learning

Knowledge of adult education principles and training techniques to effectively teach staff

Enthusiasm and motivation to maintain high levels of interest in learning and development initiatives

Ability to take initiative in identifying client needs and recommending learning solutions

Observational skills to ensure learning is effective and learners are grasping concepts being taught

Knowledge of law firm practices, procedures, and environment

Current knowledge of technological enhancements, system upgrades and learning methods

Ability to develop and maintain a thorough knowledge of the Firm’s procedures and processes to effectively teach new and existing staff

Education & Experience

The position requires a community college diploma or university degree coupled with completion of adult training courses plus formal training in the design and delivery of adult training programs or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience. 2-5 years of direct experience are required. Law firm experience is an asset.

Reports

Direct : Director, Talent & Operations

Co-direct : Manager, Student Programs and Legal Recruitment, and Supervisor, Human Resources.

Compensation :

Thetypical hiring salary range for this position in British Columbia is $70,000 - $80,000 annually; the base pay offered may vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, experience, internal and market equity.

For the safety of firm members and visitors, Osler is committed to complying with the recommendations of public health authorities, including with respect to adopting mandatory vaccination policies. Employment at Osler is therefore conditional on complying with any vaccination policies that Osler may adopt from time to time in response to the recommendations of public health authorities.

We are currently working in a hybrid work arrangement, which includes a requirement to work primarily in the office and flexibility to work remotely up to 2 days per week.

Accessibility and Accommodation

We thank all applicants for their interest in Osler; however, only chosen applicants will be contacted. Osler is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment, and we welcome and encourage applications from people with disabilities and people with diverse backgrounds, identities, and cultures. Accommodations are available upon request for candidates in all phases of the selection process.

Background and Reference Checks

Please note that any offer of employment will be conditional upon background and reference checks, including a criminal record check, credit check, and employment and educational verifications.

If you have the required background with the ability to provide exceptional customer service and wish to work in one of Canada's leading law firms, please reply in confidence with a cover letter and résumé by the closing date.